Casio Exilim EX-Z70, EX-Z700, and EX-S770 Digital Cameras Announced

Today, Casio has announced three new 7.2 megapixel Exilim digital cameras. The Casio Exilim EX-Z70 is a follow up to their Z60 with a nice 2.5 inch LCD. The Casio Exilim EX-Z700 features a 2.7 inch LCD and some unique in-camera features. Finally, the Casio Exilim EX-S770 features a wide aspect ratio, 2.8 inch LCD. All three cameras are less than an inch thick and come in multiple colors.

I’ve actually covered the Z70 previously, when it was released outside the US, but with the announcement today, we now have pricing and availability for the US. The Z70 will be available in September for $249. The aluminum body will be available in black and silver.

The Z70 shoots at 7.2 megapixels, has a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5 inch, 115.2K pixel LCD. The Z70 is targeted at the beginning user, or someone who wants a really easy to use camera. They have have an “Easy Mode” that simplifies many of the camera settings so you don’t have to wade through menu after menu. Casio’s Best Shot system of scene modes provides scene-appropriate modes, taking care of optimizing the settings for you.

The camera accepts SD/MMC memory media and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack that is good for an estimated 200 shots per charge. The camera is 3.75 inches wide, by 2.39″ high, by 0.78″ deep (excluding projections).

Moving up on the price ladder, the 7.2 megapixel Z700 will retail at $299. It will be available in September in three different colors: blue, silver, and gray. The Z700 also has a 3x optical zoom, but adds a 2.7 inch Super Bright LCD with 153.6K pixels of resolution.

A lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack is good for an estimated 460 shots per charge and Casio has introduced a couple new Best Shot modes with this camera. First, the “Auto Framing” Best Shot provides a moving frame that “tracks” a moving subject, like a child or pet. A thin outline appears on the LCD that lets you know what will actually be capture when you press the shutter. The other new Best Shot mode is called the “Layout Shot”. You choose a layout template, take two or three shots, and then the composite image is saved to memory. You can make a collage with a scenic backdrop or mix shots of different compositions to make an “artistic layout”.

Now, we get to the slimmest (and most expensive) digital camera from today’s announcement. The S770 continues the Casio Card tradition, with a measurement of 0.68″ thick (excluding projections). The 7.2 megapixel camera has a 3x optical zoom, and a 2.8 inch, wide-screen LCD with 230.4K pixels of resolution. In addition to being stylishly slim, the stainless steel body also comes in three colors: silver, blazing red, and graphite blue. Look for the S770 in September for $379.

The S770 also has a couple new, unique features. Its movie mode can capture movies at a 16:9 aspect ratio, perfect for viewing on widescreen TVs. A “data storage” function lets you use the included “Data Transport” software to convert “business documents, web pages, and emails” to JPEG files that can be transferred to the camera. Casio provides an example of what this feature is good for: convert tourist maps or information to a JPEG and take them with you in the camera.

The S770 will accept SD, SDHC, and MMC memory media. The camera is 3.72 inches wide, by 2.38″ high, by 0.68″ deep (excluding projections). The lithium-ion battery pack is good for an estimated 200 shots per charge.